March 15: Bunnies' emotional return from exile

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On this day in NRL history, foundation club South Sydney returned after two years in the wilderness, the Steelers turned giant killers and Jamie Lyon walked out on Parra.

1977

Roosters premiership-winning coach Trent Robinson born on this day.

1991

The NSWRL premiership begins under a hail of protest at the new interchange law. There are 41 interchanges in the Manly-Brisbane match and alterations to the rule receive widespread support.

Cowboys hooker Kurt Baptiste born on this day.

1992

Illawarra create history when they defeat Brisbane 4-2 in the final of the Tooheys Challenge in Dubbo. It is the Wollongong club’s first top-grade title.

1996

Super League clubs confirm they will take part in the ARL’s 20-team competition starting March 20.

Wayne Bennett in his time as Kangaroos coach.

1999

Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett reacts to the club’s poor start to the season by resigning his position as Australian coach after less than a year in the job. He returned to the gig in 2004.

2002

A near-capacity crowd of 35,316 turns out at Aussie Stadium to watch South Sydney’s official return to the NRL. Oscar winner Russell Crowe and 97-year-old Rabbitoh veteran Albert Clift ring the original South Sydney timekeeper’s bell, signifying the start of a new era for the foundation club. The fans’ joy is short-lived as the Roosters inflict a 40-6 defeat.

2004

Parramatta centre Jamie Lyon drops a bombshell, telling officials he wants to quit the game and return home to the country.

Jamie Lyon stunned the Eels in 2004 when he went bush.

2010

A fairytale NRL comeback by dual international Lote Tuqiri inspires Wests Tigers to a stunning comeback victory over Manly at the SFS. Tuqiri scores a try with his first touch of the ball and helps create the match-winning try for second-rower Gareth Ellis as the Tigers fight back from a 20-4 halftime deficit to win 26-22.

This article contains information from the official records of NRL historian David Middleton